How does the UCAS tariff work?

It is a points system used to report achievement for entry requirements to higher education (HE) in a numerical format. The tables establish agreed equivalencies between different types of qualifications. It provides comparisons between applicants with different types and volumes of achievement.

Points can be aggregated from the different qualifications included in the Tariff.

There is no ceiling to the number of points which can be accumulated.

There is no double counting – applicants cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice.

Achievement at a lower level will be subsumed into the higher level, i.e. AS points will be subsumed into the A level points for the same subject.

The same principle applies to Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, VCE A levels and Double Awards, Key Skills and Music Awards at different Levels or grades.

All certificated Key Skills in Application of Number, Communication and IT will attract points whether achieved through proxy or not.

The points shown are for the BTEC National Award, Certificate and Diploma introduced into centres from September 2002

Further information on OCR grades and Tariff points can be found on the UCAS website